A Golden Generation
Three more young US stars that could help turn the USMNT back into a football powerhouse
The US Men’s National Team hit rock bottom when they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. With two years gone, we are beginning to see the emergence of many young stars, mostly in the European Leagues. I wrote a post about this back on June 24th, highlighting three young US stars, Christian Pulisic, Giovanni Reyna, and Sergino Dest. All three of those have blown out onto the world football scene since then and are all prominent players in their clubs. For today’s post, I will be going through three more bright young talents that could aid in the resurrection of the US Men’s National Team.
Konrad de la Fuente, Barcelona
picture via starsandstripesfc.com
Miami born Konrad de la Fuente moved to Spain with his Haitian parents at the age of ten. Shortly after, he entered the Barcelona academy and ever since then has been proving himself. With the spotlight on him and high praise from new Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman, he could soon get himself a call up very soon. Since then, the 19-year-old has been training with the first team and could even see a regular-season appearance soon. The young left-winger has much promise and could be an influential part of the US Men’s National Team in the future.
Weston McKennie, Juventus
picture via sports.yahoo.com
Another rising American star in Europe, Weston McKennie, recently earned himself a massive loan move to Juventus from Schalke 04. He has already made his senior debut for the Italian side in their 3-0 win over Sampdoria. The Texas grown midfielder appeared 75 times for Schalke 04, scoring four goals in the process. However, it is his work in distribution and defending that scored him a move to such a massive club like Juventus. With players like Will Trapp, Christian Roldan, and fellow rising star Giovanni Reyna all slotted alongside McKennie, the USMNT has no shortage of talented midfield options.
Chris Richards, Bayern Munich
picture via ronaldo.com
Now for a defensive player in Birmingham, Alabama talent Chris Richards. Currently playing in the Bayern Munich youth system, Richards moved from FC Dallas in 2018 to Germany and started on the under 19 team. The 20-year-old center-back has played 17 minutes of Bundesliga football so far this season; however, with first-team center-backs’ futures in question, he could find his minutes go up. Chris Richards could be considered the fourth or fifth choice center-back and has yet to make a senior appearance. However, being young in a position currently filled by older players could be advantageous and get him his first call-up soon.
Coming off total embarrassment in 2018, the US Men’s National Team has a lot to prove to the football world. Even though they have never been considered a powerhouse in the global scene, the youth that they possess could get them there one day. The three players I mentioned in today’s post and the ones in June 24th’s could all be influential in returning the USMNT to the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.